For 120 VAC devices, what was the commonly cited standard let-through voltage before the adoption of the Voltage Protection Rating (VPR) system?
Around 330 volts
The clamping voltage dictates the precise voltage threshold at which the protective component, such as an MOV, activates and begins shunting the excess surge energy away from the connected electronic device. For standard 120 VAC systems, the recognized threshold for the activation of these components was historically cited as being around 330 volts. This figure represents the voltage level that the MOV allows to pass through before intervening to limit the spike. While modern standards have evolved to use the Voltage Protection Rating (VPR) for a more rigorous assessment of performance under testing conditions, the 330-volt figure remains historically relevant in understanding the operational threshold of these consumer-grade components.
